A26905:378
The crucifying of the world
The crucifying of the world by the cross of Christ with a preface to the nobles, gentlemen, and all the rich, directing them how they may be richer / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by R. W. for Nevill Simmons, 1658
The Crucifying of the world, BY The Cross of CHRIST. › Part 1 › Section 15
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
SECT. XV.
IT is not a perfect work of Mortification, that I shall now enquire after: For that no man on earth hath obtained: Nor is it any high degree, which only the stronger and better sort of true Christians do attain: For if I convince you that you want either of these, you will not much be humbled by the conviction. But it is the very least and lowest measure that i• consistent with sincerity, and which is in all that are heirs of heaven: this is it that I shall now discover to you.
1. If you are sincerely Crucified to the world, it is not carnal self that is your End, but your ultimate End is God and Glory ⟨p. 81⟩Can you but tell me what is the main Design of your Life? Whether it be for Earth or Heaven? […] this and you may resolve the case. A worldling may speak contemptuously of the world, and speak most honourably of God and the Life to come: But speculative knowledge and practical are frequently contradictory in the same man. Still it is this world that hath his chief Intentions, and is the End of his designs and life; and the world to come is regarded but as a reserve, because of their unavoidable separation from this world. The main End of every upright Christian, is to please and enjoy God: and the main End of all the rest of the world is how to Please their carnal minds in the enjoyment of some earthly things. If you could but discern which of these is your chiefest End, you might discern whether it be Christ or the world that Liveth in you. For Christ liveth in you, when he is your End, and the world Liveth in you when it is your End.
1. If you are sincerely Crucified to the world, it is not carna self that is your End, but your ultimate End is God and Glory